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“I don’t think she only appears when a family member dies,” Priscilla commented. “But she’s definitely supposed to appear then.”

“Somebody should inform the lady,” Professor Azizi said. “As far as we know, she’s never deigned to appear to anyone in this century.”

“Maybe she’ll appear tonight,” Archie said.

This was met with silence and then everyone laughed.

It was after ten when the party moved to Leo’s séance room.

Archie had been to several of the ghost walks, but never one of the TPS’s seances. Typically, those were reserved for the four founders. He had a vague idea that there would be a medium present and that the séance would take place in the dining room. Why the dining room? Who knew. The idea likely came from watching way too many ’80s horror flicks in his teens.

In fact, Leo led the way downstairs to a small, windowless room steeped in shadows and the heavy scent of melting wax. The antique furniture was dark and ornate: a large, round black oak table, high-back velvet armchairs upholstered in midnight blue, a crystal ball stand in the corner, and several tall parlor screens covered in mysteriously embroidered fabric. Four tall candelabras stood in the corners of the room, casting flickering light over walls lined with dark shelves of books on the occult and supernatural.

In the center of the table lay a very old Ouija board.

If Archie had ever had doubts about whether someone as pragmatic as Leo was a true believer, they were answered once and for all. This was not a bonus room seconded into serving as an occasional space for party games. This was a designated room for occult practice.

“I’m sitting next to you,” Desi whispered. Archie smiled at her. It would take a lot more than a spooky setting to make him nervous, but it was a little creepy. The mood was definitely set, medium or no medium.

“Is it my imagination or is the room chillier tonight?” Priscilla asked of no one in particular.

“It’s that fetchingly skimpy dress of yours, dear girl,” Azizi returned.

Leo said, “Desi, my dear, you sit beside me. Archie, you sit—”

“Desi’s sitting next to me,” Archie said, and if that sounded brusque, oh well.

Leo’s brows shot up. Priscilla said, “Yes! Good call! It will amplify their family energy if they’re united through touch.”

“Yes,” Azizi agreed. “And if their energy proves wayward, it will be less distracting for us.” He was frowning at Archie, and Desi made a sound like a muffled giggle.

They took their chairs at the table, Archie sitting between Priscilla and Desi.

Leo closed his eyes, his face grave as he began the invocation. His voice, deep and resonant, seemed to carry the weight of authority and ritual.

“Let us join hands.”

Desi’s hand was cold in Archie’s. Priscilla’s hand was warm and she squeezed Archie’s palm encouragingly. Her attention was focused on Leo.

“We gather tonight as seekers and as friends,” Leo intoned, his voice magnified in the hushed room. “We come in peace, guided by the light of truth and love, to connect with the spirit of one who has left this earthly plane. Spirits of this place, guardians of the unseen, protect us in this endeavor. Let no harm come to those assembled.”

The shadows of the candle flames flickered across his face as he paused, letting his words settle in the silence.

“John Perry, friend, mentor, and brother in spirit, we call upon you. You who know our hearts, who cared for us. We ask that you come to us tonight. Hear our call, and lend us your voice, so that the truth may be known. Grant us your guidance, that we might find justice and peace in your name.”

Leo glanced around the table, nodding to each participant. “Repeat after me,” he instructed solemnly.

“Spirit of John Perry, we welcome you.”

Spirit of John Perry, we welcome you

“Come forth, if you are willing, and speak to us through this circle of friends.”

Come forth, if you are willing, and speak to us through this circle of friends.

“Guide our hands. Lead us to the truth.”

Guide our hands. Lead us to the truth.